Used Skoda Kodiaq 2024-present Review

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Being the successor to a hit is a bit like being a crown prince. The title is prestigious, but it comes with enormous expectations. This is the position the second-generation Skoda Kodiaq finds itself in. The original first-generation Kodiaq established a reputation as one of the best large SUVs you could buy, combining space, value and everyday usability better than many rivals. The seven-seater version was particularly impressive, proving to be a close competitor to the Hyundai Santa Fe , Kia Sorento and Peugeot 5008 , just to name a few contemporaries. The challenge, then, wasn't reinventing the formula. It was improving it without losing the qualities that made people buy it in the first place. As such, the second-generation model didn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater; the headline changes included a bigger interior and a new infotainment system. It also saw the arrival of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the first time. Engines and performance: The Kodiaq offers several engine options. The entry-level engine is a 148bhp mild-hybrid petrol unit, badged 1.5 TSI e-TEC 150. It provides plenty of performance for everyday driving, with 0-62mph taking 9.5sec (that’s faster than the mild-hybrid 5008 Hybrid 145), but it can get a bit noisy and coarse when worked hard. If you want a bit more pace, there’s the 201bhp 2.0 TSI 204, which offers four-wheel drive and a 0-62mph time of 7.5sec. Alternatively, there’s the Skoda Kodiaq vRS , which has the same engine but with 261bhp. It also cuts the 0-62mph time to 6.4sec. Those who regularly carry passengers or tow might want to consider one of the diesels. The 148bhp 2.0 TDI 150 pulls harder from low revs than the petrols, while the more powerful four-wheel drive 190bhp diesel is a great towing car . Lastly, there’s the 201bhp PHEV model, badged the 1.5 TSI iV PHEV. It can do 0-62mph in 8.4sec, but more importantly, it has an official electric-only range of up to 76 miles, which is a lot more than the 5008 PHEV can manage (56 miles). Just bear in mind that you can't have the Kodiaq PHEV as a seven-seater . Ride and handling: The Kodiaq delivers a really comfortable ride. While it’s not quite as supple as the Tayron, there’s not a whole lot in it, and it’s noticeably more absorbent than the 5008, Santa Fe and Sorento. It’s particularly impressive when equipped with the adaptive suspension system (called Dynamic Chassis Control, or DCC), which allows you to adjust the suspension's firmness through the touchscreen. DCC was standard on Sportline and vRS models, but optional on SE L. Despite its size, the Kodiaq remains composed and capable through corners. It's more agile on winding roads than the Tayron. This is aided by its well-weighted steering, which provides reassuring accuracy and makes it easy to position the car confidently on the road. Interior and practicality: If you like a high driving position, you’ll be happy behind the wheel of the Kodiaq, because it perches you above most other road users. All-round visibility is great, too. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is nice and easy. The seats are supportive and very adjustable, with even entry-level SE models getting manual adjustment and lumbar support (which you don't get on an entry-level 5008). SE L models add electric adjustment. All versions of the Kodiaq come with a sharp 13.0in touchscreen infotainment system . It’s responsive and well laid out, with icons that are big enough to hit easily while driving. It’s more intuitive than the system in the 5008. Unlike with the 5008 and Tayron, the Kodiaq’s dashboard has several physical controls, with key functions – such as your volume, drive modes and climate controls – managed through the three large knobs on the dashboard. Called ‘Smart Dials’, you can push them to cycle through different settings. It's a great setup that helps to minimise distraction while driving. As for quality, you’ll find a mix of high-quality materials, including Alcantara, cloth, leather and wood finishes. It isn’t quite as plush as the Tayron, but compared with most other seven-seaters, it’s pretty impressive. For the most part, it's better built than the 5008 and Sorento, but there are parts, including the centre console, that flex when you lean on them. Up front, there’s plenty of head and leg room for tall occupants. While in the back, you can easily fit six-footers with head and leg room to spare in the outer two rear seats. There’s enough width to fit a third passenger in the middle seat, too. In seven-seater Kodiaqs, the third row offers more head room than in the Tayron but less space than the 5008, Santa Fe and Sorento. It’s quite tight climbing into the seats, too. With the five-seat version, the Kodiaq has a capacity of 910 litres (the PHEV drops that to 745 litres), which is easily enough to swallow a couple of pushchairs or several large suitcases. If you go for a seven-seat version, you get fractionally less boot space when in five-seat mode, but we still managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases back there – one less than the 5008. When all seven seats are in use, there’s still a good amount of room behind them. The Kodiaq’s second-row seats slide back and forth in a 60/40 split, which allows you to prioritise leg room or boot space. The backrests, meanwhile, recline or fold fully flat in a 40/20/40 configuration. Trims and equipment: There are five trims to choose from with the Kodiaq: SE, SE L, Edition X, Sportline and L&K. The entry-level option, SE, includes 18in alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, keyless start, three-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, electrically-folding, dimming and heated door mirrors and heated front seats. It’s really well equipped. Meanwhile, SE L adds 19in wheels, keyless entry, part-faux-leather seats, a powered tailgate and privacy glass. A limited edition Edition X, marking 10 years of the Kodiaq, offers a similar level of equipment. Then there’s Sportline and L&K, which both offer 20in alloys and adaptive cruise control , but with the former favouring sporty styling and the latter a more luxurious look. "I’m a big fan of the Kodiaq’s Smart Dials. They make adjusting the temperature so much easier than the touchscreen setups in the 5008 and Tayron." – Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor If you're interested in buying a used Skoda Kodiaq or any of the cars we've mentioned, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at a great price.